Bruins extend GM Chiarelli through ’17-’18

The Bruins announced today that they have extended the contract of general manager Peter Chiarelli for four years, keeping him in Boston through the 2017-2018 season.

Chiarelli — who has spent this summer locking up major pieces Patrice Bergeron and Tuukka Rask — will now have the same stability.

During Chiarelli’s seven years in Boston, the Bruins have made the playoffs six times, including two trips to the Stanley Cup Final. The team won its first Cup in 39 years in 2011, beating the Vancouver Canucks.

Only two other general managers have brought Stanley Cups to Boston — Art Ross (1929, 1939, 1941) and Milt Schmidt (1970, 1972).

In the regular season under Chiarelli, the Bruins have a 291-187-62 record (.596 winning percentage).

Chiarelli just returned from Calgary, where he participated as a member of Team Canada’s management team.